I live in KY but last week I got a speeding ticket in Charleston, WV. Does anyone know the laws regaurding traffic school and if it will help my driving record? I haven't paid the ticket yet, I am still unsure what to do. I don't care to pay the fine, I just don't want my insurance to raise. Would it be better to simply pay it by mail, or show up on my court date and talk to the judge. This is my first ticket, I was only going 66, and they caught me when the speed limit goes from 65 to 55mph. I was slowing down before I saw the speed trap:( Thanks for any help you can offer.
2007-09-26 08:15:51 · 6 answers · asked by girl on a 660 raptor 4 in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
go to court and try to fight it, if you were only going 1 over the speed limit, it hsould be easy to fight. But if they say you were going 11 over, then it will be harder to do.
2007-09-26 08:19:27 · answer #1 · answered by sknymnie 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I would call the court clerks office in the jurisdiction where the ticket was issued. Ask them if taking a drivers course in your own state would satisfy their court requirements.
While talking to them...they should be able to make arrangements to handle your case without having to do all the back and forth travel.
As for calling the police to determine the off duty days of the issuing officer....most get paid overtime to appear in court so that would be doing them a favor.
A one time speeding ticket does not normally increase your insurance rates.
Appearing before a judge is always acceptable and many judges will look at this as a true effort on your part to accept responsibility.
You could also complete a local driving school in your area and present the documentation to the judge and still get credit.
Best way to avoid this problem....slow down and respect other driver rights on the roadway!
2007-09-26 08:33:14 · answer #2 · answered by KC V ™ 7 · 3⤊ 2⤋
I would just mail in your payment before or by the due date. If you don't pay it, it could reflect on your insurance, drivers license, and turn into a warrant. Once it goes into a warrant, if you do decide to pay it, the price will have tripled. You can call the number on your ticket to find out info on ways to not let this go on your record or insurance. Good luck;) and pay your ticket.
2007-09-26 08:21:18 · answer #3 · answered by stephensbaby 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You will get points on your record but I don't think it will effect your insurance unless you lie about it. You can't hide these things because everything is entered into a national computer system called NCIC. Pay the ticket and be done with it. Take it easy in the future, lead foot.
2007-09-26 08:45:58 · answer #4 · answered by kathy s 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
My suggestion is that you call and find out if the officer is on duty. If he is, hang up. Call back the next day...same thing.
This is to establish the officer's day off.
Then, call the clerk of the court, and ask if you can re-schedule your appearance for that day of the week, because you are from out of town.
Typically, a cop will not show up for court on his day off for a simple speeding ticket. If the cop does not show up, you are off the hook. If the cop does show up, plead your case with the judge. You would probably lose, but if you pay by mail, your chances are 100% of having it on your record.
One other thing, one speeding ticket rarely raises your rates (if ever). You might check with your agent...but do NOT call the 800 number to find out...those people are not there to help you.
KC V...Off duty days has worked for me once and a friend of mine 7 times out of 7
Llani...there is nothing illegal about it.
2007-09-26 08:23:09 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 3⤋
Pay or go to court but whatever you do, don't keep calling and hanging up to find out if the officer is on duty. You are dealing with the cops and they have all your info right there when you call, like caller ID, only better.
2007-09-26 08:35:21 · answer #6 · answered by Llani 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋